The City of Humphrey is tackling a series of problems hindering operation this month.

The problems include an actuator at the city’s wastewater facility. Mayor Alice Black said it’s basically a bad motor that needs to be repaired, although it can still be used.

Another issue addressed was the city’s two new police cars, which were taken in for repair. On Monday, Black said the majority of the problems were fixed.

“We had to spend money on our new units,” Black said. “Hopefully, before our next meeting we will have the ignition and harness working (on one of the cars).”

She added that the cost was offset by both of the old police units being sold within two days on the market. Combined, the two vehicles sold for $3,000.

Councilman Jimmy Carr said one of the new cars would also need two new front tires as well have the car’s radar fixed since a city police officer “missed some he knew was speeding because he couldn’t clock them.”

The city has also worked to repair several leaks across town, including at the Humphrey Volunteer Fire Department building. As of Monday, all leaks were fixed. The fire department is also looking to put in heating and air as well as address radio updates.

Other business includes sending out letters to address ordinances concerning building and vehicles as well as EPA’s guidelines on acceptable items to burn.

Black said they would also be ordering 34 street signs, five stop signs and 10 posts. “Some of them, the wind can knock down then they disappear,” she said. “Some are just faded out because they are old. So, some need to be replaced and some are just gone.”

Councilman Cleveland Hatch said last month’s controversy concerning the disposal of a single tree can now be laid to rest. A resident claimed she was singled out when the mayor would not allow her to save $300 by disposing of a tree in the city landfill.

In March, city officials voted to split the disposal fee to settle the matter, pending the resident’s agreement. Hatch said the resident would accept the $150 from the city, however, it would then be donated to the Humphrey Volunteer Fire Department.

In other business, a state highway official will be in Humphrey Thursday to look at streets submitted for projects under a new State Street Aid program.

Black said she first requested funds during the March funding cycle to repair Hickory and South Division streets.

However, the request was denied. The official visiting Thursday is going to each community who requested help to view proposed projects for the next funding cycle in June.

Page 2 of 2 - Black said she would be taking the highway official throughout the town to see what fits the criteria for help. “I would love to also pave just from Livingston to 13th,” she added.

The community is also on the work release program list at the Randall L. Williams Correctional Facility in Pine Bluff. Black said the inmates would clean culverts and ditches.

Councilman Ronnie Carr asked that the city not wait to start clearing out ditches since work is needed all over town.